We’ve been in a few of these but not all – so some more to add to our list if we stay in London again. (It’s a bit difficult with the dog, but we might manage it.) Is the cat still in the Seven Stars? He doesn’t like being photographed, but I sneaked one when he wasn’t looking. According to Dan Cruickshank, one room of the Cheshire Cheese may have been connected in some way with the 17th/18th century sex trade in London. There are so many wonderful stories connected with pubs – that’s why they’re so fascinating. Thanks for this article – very enjoyable.

I like that some of these pubs are still around.
None of the pubs where I live are like that, with the exception of the pub at Sydney’s Rocks area, which is the first Australian pub. Everything is in terms of architecture and character is rather ‘meh’.

Lovely pictures gentle author. The George in Borough High St is a particular favourite of mine. I wonder if you enjoyed a quick one in each establishment ! You certainly covered a lot of ground with that particular walkabout. Best wishes. Pauline

Some lovely, characterful pubs. It’s always a wonder that they have survived with little brewer’s ‘updating’. I live in a rural area and one of our historic pubs has just been sanitised with the latest fashion in pub fittings. Why do they do it? So it’s good to see these ones.

Drunk in all of them
Unbfortunately some are now tourist-trap shadows, selling dubiously-kept beer…
However, a favourite pub-crawl … start @ The Lamb in Leadenhall, then the Swan, Ship Tavern Passage then Either the Market Porter or the Rake in Borough Market, then the Lord Clarence (Marshalsea & finish @ the Royal Oak, Tabard Street … where I’m going later this evening.

You must have been very disciplined about the drinks to continue with such a steady hand throughout the whole series of photographs. They’re great by the way, as is the choice of pubs. A fine historic selection.

I don’t know if it’s good or bad to say this, but I’ve been in most of these establishments during the 20 years I worked in London I’m fond of The Anchor (used to love the upstairs restaurant with the bowed floor and the windows overlooking the river across to the City). The George is my friend’s local, he lives and works walking distance from it. Although it’s a modern place, I also have fond memories of The Founders Arms at Bankside – I worked in the gallery opposite for a while and we often went there after work or to eat.

this is a tardy comment but yes, lovely pics! thanks for all these! so nice to see the jamaica is still there…i knew the george would have to be. had lunch drinks there years ago and just discovered the seven stars – a pub with a sweet, funny personality!

I’m living in Perth, Western Australia at the moment and in moments of homesickness (which are often and intense) i consult your site.
I remember most of these pubs and was a regular at the Cittee of Yorke when my girlfriend was studying law at Grays Inn.
Last time i was in London i went for a nostalgic crawl and wandered into one i’d not been in before but is on your list: “The Seven Stars” on Carey st. Cracker of a pub.

Copyright

Unauthorized use or duplication of these words and pictures without written permission is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Spitalfields Life with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.